Court Advocacy

Our Victim Advocates collaborate with the City of Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office to support victims and witnesses navigate the criminal justice system. Our Victim Advocates attend the Preliminary Hearings held at the Justice Juanita Kidd Stout Center for Criminal Justice located at 1301 Filbert Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107.

Victim Advocates can help those planning to attend a preliminary hearing understand the proceedings process and your right as a Victim and Witness. We can assist you with court scheduling conflicts, tracking the progress of the case, securing a protection order, filing an affidavit, or making special transportation or language translation or interpretation services requests. We also provide Court Accompaniment for Victims and Witnesses who may want someone to attend the preliminary hearing with them. Please call or email us to notify us of these requests.

What’s a Preliminary Hearing?

A Preliminary Hearing is a court procedure, presided over by a Judge, and conducted to determine whether there is enough reason or evidence to go forward with a trial. You will be notified

Preliminary Hearing Notifications

1. Subpoena by Mail

Those identified as victims or witnesses receive a subpoena in the mail, listing the date, time, and courtroom location for the preliminary hearing.
This document serves as the official notice you must appear.

2. Contact by the ADA or Victim‑Witness Coordinator

For many cases, the Assistant District Attorney (ADA) or a Victim & Witness Coordinator may also call in the days leading up to the preliminary hearing to confirm your attendance and answer questions.

3. Call the Victim Services Unit

If you haven't been contacted proactively, you should call the Victim Services Unit yourself at 215‑686‑8027.

Preliminary Hearing: When and Where?

Preliminary Hearings are conducted at the Center for Criminal Justice at 1301 Filbert Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107 near City Hall.

On the day of the Preliminary Hearing, be sure to arrive at the courthouse no later than 8 AM. You will need to pass through a security checkpoint in the lobby and sometimes there is a long line. The preliminary hearings begin at 8:30 AM.

Please note that there is no free parking available at courthouse. Child care is also not available. If you need help arranging transportation, please call or email our office and we can help you determine options.

Proceed to the courtroom specified on your subpoena letter.

When you get to the courtroom, check in with the Victim Advocate (Court Advocate) in the room. The Victim Advocate will be able to tell you the name of the Assistant District Attorney (ADA) assigned to your case and answer any other questions you may have.

The Victim/Witness waiting room is located on the first floor.

Additional Information

Click the above image for information regarding courthouse locations.

For questions regarding the Office of the District Attorney please click the above image.

What to Expect After a Preliminary Hearing

Sometimes a case cannot proceed as scheduled. For example, if a key witness is unavailable or an attorney has a scheduling conflict then the preliminary hearing may be "continued," meaning it is postponed to a later date. This is known as a continuance.

If the judge at the Preliminary Hearing determines there is enough evidence to move forward, the case is held for court. At this time, the judge may also set or modify the defendant’s bail.

A few weeks after the Preliminary Hearing, the defendant will be scheduled for arraignment. This is when the defendant is formally charged with a crime and enters a plea. Victims are not required to attend the arraignment.

In the weeks that follow, the Assistant District Attorney (ADA) and the defense attorney may appear before a judge for one or more status hearings to discuss the progress of the case. Once both sides are ready, a trial date will be set.

Throughout this process, Northeast Victim Service is here to support you. We can help you track the progress of the case, maintain communication with the ADA, and provide guidance on protection orders, affidavits, and other concerns.

Trial & Sentencing

At the trial, the court will determine whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty of the charges. As a victim, you have the right to be present during the trial.

If the defendant is found guilty, the judge will schedule a separate sentencing hearing. You also have the right to submit a Victim Impact Statement before sentencing. This statement gives you an opportunity to explain how the crime has affected you emotionally, physically, and financially. Northeast Victim Service can help you prepare your statement to ensure your voice is heard and considered by the court.

If you experienced financial losses as a result of the crime, the judge may order restitution—requiring the defendant to repay you for certain documented costs. The court will determine the amount, and if restitution is ordered, the payments will be made through the Philadelphia Adult Probation and Parole Department.

After the trial, Northeast Victim Service can continue to support you by helping you stay in contact with the Adult or Juvenile Probation and Parole Departments as needed.